Video conferences enable members of remote boards to see each other even if they’re using different gadgets. Non-profits have the option of choosing from a number of low-cost or free video conferencing platforms for their meetings, such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, WebEx and Google Meet. Nonprofits may also opt to use a board management software which includes a meeting interface that allows remote participation that does not require leaving the platform.
The ability to observe the faces of participants can lead to more interactive and participatory meetings. To ensure everyone can be heard, the chair should invite board members to speak who haven’t spoken, and limit the number of people who speak at the same time. This ensures that the discussion doesn’t get focused on a single person and helps ensure a balanced decision-making process. To minimize background noise, ask attendees to turn off their mobile phones and use the muted button when they are not talking.
Some directors will be unfamiliar with a virtual environment and are hesitant to speak up, which limits their engagement and the effectiveness of the meeting. This can be solved by providing an easy-to-use meeting interface, allowing an introduction to the meeting platform, introducing participants with the software and encouraging them to practice before the actual meeting. The board can also develop an agenda with strict deadlines for board-room.blog/ each item. This will ensure that the meeting runs smoothly and that the intended outcome is realized. Board directors can highlight and make notes on documents that are digital to enhance their engagement and speed up meetings. They can also share annotations with other members to improve collaboration and improve the quality of their minutes.
